Giant Covalent

Giant structure

Giant structure

A three-dimensional network of atoms or ions

Lattice

Regular arrangement of particles.

Bonding in giant covalent structures

Covalent bonding

Covalent bond

A shared pair of electrons

States of giant covalent substances at room temperature

Solid

Melting points of giant covalent substances

Very high

Bonds broken when giant covalent structures are melted

Covalent bonds

Examples of giant covalent structures

Diamond, graphite, silicon dioxide

Reason for giant covalent structure's high melting point

Many strong covalent bonds require lots of energy to break

Solubility of giant covalent substances

Insoluble

Formula of silicon dioxide

SiO₂

Uses of diamond

Cutting tools and jewellery

Uses of graphite

Pencil leads, lubricants

Number of bonds between atoms in graphite

3

Properties of diamond

Translucent, Hard, High melting point, Does not conduct electricity

Properties of graphite

Soft, Slippery, good conductor of heat and electricity

Reason graphite is soft

Weak forces between layers which can slide over each other.

Reason graphite conducts electricity

One spare electron is delocalised and can carry charge through the layers